When I think of the holiday season, I think of colder weather, the act of giving and helping others, and fun family festivities. The Clinton-Sampson Chamber is honored to be a part of the variety of holiday festivities that are just around the corner.

The 3rd Annual Chamber Coat Closet kickoff event is here! We invite you to come out today, Thursday Nov. 1, as we begin collecting coats for those in need. From noon until 6 p.m., we will be at the Clinton City Market at 215 Lisbon St. enjoying vendors and local entertainment as we encourage the residents of Sampson County to give the gift of warmth this winter by donating a new or gently used coat. This project will continue to touch the lives of those throughout the county as we come together to help others during the cold seasons. The coat collection will continue throughout November with over 30 dropoff locations throughout Sampson County. We encourage you to visit our website, www.clintonsampsonchamber.org to determine which dropoff site is closest to you. If you know of someone that would benefit from a coat this winter, please call the Chamber office at 592-6177. We thank the residents of Sampson County in advance for being involved and proactive with this project this year, as each of you have been the past two years as this event has evolved.

The holiday festivities continue on Nov. 29 with Christmas in the City. The second Christmas in the City family fun event is filled with horse drawn carriage rides, hay rides, gingerbread decorating activities for the children, a reception at the History Museum and a silent auction in which the proceeds go towards the Sampson County History Museum. Some of the silent auction items include things from Butlers Gifts, Matthews Gifts, Sessoms Jewelry, The Center for Health and Wellness, a Sampson County Partnership for Children gift wrapping certificate, and more. If you would like to donate a decorated Christmas wreath or an item from your business for the silent auction, please give the Chamber office a call or e-mail info@clintonsampsonchamber.org.

The family fun continues with the annual Christmas in Clinton Parade. Save the date for Saturday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. as the streets of downtown Clinton are filled with local musical entertainment, dance teams, professional floats, antique cars, and more. If you, your business or organization would like to participate in the parade, give us a call at the Chamber office, 592-6177 or visit our website at www.clintonsampsonchamber.org for more information.

As the weather continues to change and the holidays are quickly approaching, we encourage each of you to get involved in all of the holiday activities throughout Sampson County. To learn more about the Clinton-Sampson Chamber’s upcoming events, membership information, membership directory, and economic development, visit the website at www.clintonsampsonchamber.org or give us a call at 910-592-6177.